Moroccan singer Karima Skalli and the Asil Ensemble perform three Burdas – song cycles combining poetry and music, inspired by the greatest Arab composers and poets across the centuries.

A well known classical Burda with words from the 12th century poems of Al Busiri and the famous Nahj El Burda of Umm Kulthum join a new composition by oud virtuoso Mustafa Said, to words by contemporary Palestinian poet Tamim Barghouti.

Burda: Asil Ensemble and Karima Skalli
Featuring the music of Umm Kulthum and Mustafa Said
11 July 2015

Break the day’s fast with us after the concert with an iftar meal in the Barbican Lounge. A specially created menu to celebrate the opening night of Shubbak festival, and ensure you go home satisfied!

Arrive early for a free pre-concert talk and performance celebrating Sami El Shawa.

Presented by Shubbak – A Window on Contemporary Arab Culture and Abu Dhabi Festival
Part of Contemporary Music events

Book Tickets
£20–35 plus booking fee*
*£3 booking fee per online transaction, £4 by phone. No fee when tickets are booked in person. Click here for more information on booking fees

16-25 Young Barbican members, £15 no booking fee (subject to availability).
Produced by the Barbican

Part of Shubbak – A Window on Contemporary Arab Culture
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

With support from:
The Arab Fund For Arts and Culture (AFAC)
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
British Council
A.M. Qattan Foundation
The Al Qattan Charitable Trust